Marinonics Sail Paradise day 2 - Yachties rally for flood victims

by Lisa Ratcliff on 11 Jan 2011 Marionics Sail Paradise - The race committee is keeping all divisions ashore on day two on Queensland’s Gold Coast and instead of taking on Mother Nature’s fury, competing yachties will put their hands in their pockets for the state’s flood victims.

'Southport Yacht Club and the sailing community are very concerned about the terrible events that are unfolding just north of us today,' said SYC Commodore, Rob Mundle.

'We will rally to show our support for those directly affected by this natural disaster as well as our appreciation for the emergency workers who are being stretched to the limit.'

To raise funds for the cause and to quell the cabin fever that is developing among the competing sailors awaiting a break in the atrocious weather that continues to lash the region, host club Southport Yacht Club is planning a full social program today. While the Gold Coast has so far escaped the worst of the weather, the sailors are well aware of the devastation and tragedy which has occurred and want to do everything possible to contribute to the fundraising effort.

At 1pm today the club will host a yachties’ lunch for all 40 crews contesting what is the second Sail Paradise regatta. Then, at 3pm an indoor yacht race will provide plenty of laughs and give the sailors a chance to dig deep. This will be followed at 4pm by the Musto fashion parade showing the Evolution spring/summer collection and Musto’s wet weather gear – very handy for those who came to Queensland underprepared for the wet stuff.

With Brisbane on alert today as the Brisbane River swells with floodwater, the postponement means that competitors who live in the state’s capital can take the opportunity to stay close to their homes and businesses.

At around 6pm this evening the race committee will advise competitors of the plan for the remainder of the regatta, which is due to wrap up on Saturday, 15 January 2011.

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